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Wat Bo Phuttharam

4.6
·202 reviews·, Thailand

A serene Buddhist temple in Koh Samui, known for its peaceful grounds, a revered 'Black Monk' statue, and a unique fish-feeding moat.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Wat Bo Siem Reap

Wat Bo Phuttharam

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene Buddhist temple in Koh Samui, known for its peaceful grounds, a revered 'Black Monk' statue, and a unique fish-feeding moat.

4.6
(202 reviews)

"A quiet, less crowded temple offering a unique fish feeding experience and a glimpse into local life."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐠 Feed the Fish!

A must-do! Buy a small bucket of food for 10 THB and enjoy feeding the fish and turtles.

🚶‍♀️ Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred site.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Buddha Statue

The Grand Buddha Statue

Main temple grounds

A magnificent Buddha statue, a central focus of devotion and a stunning sight for visitors.

Instagram
The Moat and Fish Feeding

The Moat and Fish Feeding

Surrounding the temple

A unique experience where you can feed carp, catfish, and turtles for a small fee.

Reddit
Architectural Details

Architectural Details

Various buildings

Explore intricate statues and diverse buildings within the temple complex.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

While Wat Bo Phuttharam is generally less crowded than other major temples, visiting during weekdays can offer a more serene experience. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for avoiding the midday heat and capturing softer light for photos. TikTok

Respectful Attire

As a Buddhist temple, modest dress is essential. Ensure shoulders and knees are covered to show respect. This is a common courtesy observed by locals and recommended for all visitors. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, cooler temps
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

โบ๊ทอย่าแสดงสีหน้าตอนกิน เดี๋ยวรู้หมดว่าน้ำอะไร555 เอ็นดูใครดี 🤫#โบ๊ทโอ๊ต #boatoat #โอ๊ตภาสกร #oatpasakorn #โบ๊ทยงค์ยุทธ #boatyongyut #toptap_jirakit #themephubeth ##mflowentertainment
@sujinannan
97.8K likes • 593.1K views

🐠 Feed the Fish!

A must-do! Buy a small bucket of food for 10 THB and enjoy feeding the fish and turtles. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred site. TikTok

✅ พระนอนวัดโพธิ์ เป็นพระพุทธไสยาสน์สมัยรัตนโกสินทร์ที่งดงามที่สุดในประเทศไทย มีขนาดใหญ่มาก องค์พระ ยาว 46 เมตร สูง 15 เมตร ประดิษฐานอยู่ในพระวิหารพระพุทธไสยาส วัดพระเชตุพนวิมลมังคลาราม #CapCut #ไหว้พระ #สายมู #วัดโพธิ์ #monk #measure #watpho #temple #ทําบุุญไหว้พระ #
@meme_trin
16.2K likes • 64.7K views
Wat Bo Phuttharam 🧡 lembranças da belíssima Koh Samui. esse lugar é um templo budista, com várias construções no terreno. tinha lugar pra fazer comida, para cantar, e outros que não sei pra que era, mais frequentado pelos tailandeses mesmo (ao contrário de outros que só tinha turista 😭). não entrei, só admirei por fora por que era bem perto de onde eu tava "morando".
numadessas
25 likes • 872 views

📸 Capture the Beauty

The temple offers many picturesque spots, especially during the golden hour. TikTok

🧘‍♀️ Embrace the Calm

It's a quiet, less crowded temple perfect for reflection. Reddit

Wat Bo Phuttharam Интересный храм в виде корабля. 🏝⚓️ #WatBoPhuttharam #samui #wat #travelsamui #asiatravel
mishgan2
9 likes • 148 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐠 Feed the Fish!

A must-do! Buy a small bucket of food for 10 THB and enjoy feeding the fish and turtles. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred site. TikTok

📸 Capture the Beauty

The temple offers many picturesque spots, especially during the golden hour. TikTok

🧘‍♀️ Embrace the Calm

It's a quiet, less crowded temple perfect for reflection. Reddit

👟 Remove Your Shoes

Always remove your footwear before entering temple buildings. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(202 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Wat Bo Phuttharam for its peaceful atmosphere and the unique, fun experience of feeding fish in the moat. It's appreciated as a less crowded, more authentic local temple. Some note that the temple grounds could benefit from a bit more tidying, but the overall experience is highly positive for those seeking a quiet cultural stop.

"If you love fish or feeding fish you must visit. It's only 10BHT for a bucket of fish food which you can throw to the carp, catfish and turtles in the moat surrounding the buddah. We spent a good hour just feeding fish it was so much fun. Apart from that the temple itself needs a little tidying"

Nelson Yiap

"Quiet place worth to stop by. I visited it during special day for Thai community, there was x-ray bus, I assume for some kind of health check up. People were coming and praying at the temple."

Katarzyna Kucharska

"Great place without nobody. Its very quite not crowded place. You can stay here how long you want. On the beginning it looks not very interesting but In the end you will see it in its full glory. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏"

Ales Bacmanak

What People Like

Peaceful and quiet atmosphere
Fun fish feeding activity
Authentic local feel

What People Dislike

Needs tidying in parts

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Wat Bo Phuttharam is located in Bophut, Koh Samui. You can reach it by taxi, songthaew (local shared taxi), or by renting a scooter. It's often visited as part of a temple tour around the island. TikTokInstagram

While not as heavily signposted as some other attractions, it's generally accessible by following directions to Bophut. Using a GPS or asking locals can help. Instagram

If you are staying in the Bophut area, it might be walkable depending on your exact location. Otherwise, local transport is recommended. Instagram

It's located near the Ejsaka food market and clothes market, and not far from Fisherman's Village. Reddit

Yes, it's a relatively quick stop, especially if you're interested in the unique fish feeding experience or a peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Wat Bo Phuttharam is generally free, making it an accessible cultural experience. Reddit

The temple is typically open from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific holiday hours. TikTok

Some videos show the temple at night, suggesting it might be accessible or at least visually appealing after dark, though official hours usually end in the evening. TikTok+1

No advance booking is required as entry is free and it's not typically a ticketed attraction. Reddit

During special Thai community days, events like health check-ups have been observed at the temple. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The main Buddha statue, the moat with feeding fish, and the intricate architectural details of the various buildings offer great photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Photography is generally allowed in the temple grounds, but always be mindful and respectful, especially inside prayer halls. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons provide softer light, ideal for photography and avoiding harsh shadows. TikTok

There are no specific mentions of drone restrictions, but it's always advisable to check local regulations before flying drones in temple areas. TikTok

While you might see monks, it's best to be discreet and respectful when taking photos of people, especially religious figures. TikTok

🎫 🧘‍♀️ Onsite Experience

You can admire the Buddha statue, feed the fish and turtles in the moat, explore the various temple buildings, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. InstagramReddit

It's generally considered a quiet and less crowded temple compared to others, offering a more serene experience. Reddit

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required out of respect for the Buddhist traditions. TikTok

The temple is frequented by locals, offering a glimpse into their community and religious practices. InstagramReddit

The 'Black Monk' or 'Grandfather Monk' statue and the moat with fish feeding are unique features that set it apart. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the temple itself doesn't have dining facilities, it's located near the Ejsaka food market, offering various local food stalls. Reddit

Yes, you can purchase buckets of fish food for a small fee, typically around 10 THB, to feed the carp and turtles. Reddit

The Ejsaka market offers a variety of local Thai street food and snacks, popular with residents. Reddit

The Bophut area, including Fisherman's Village nearby, has numerous restaurants offering diverse cuisines. TikTok

While not explicitly mentioned for this temple, offering food to monks is a traditional practice in Buddhism, but visitors typically observe rather than participate directly. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Wat Bo Phuttharam offers a unique and engaging experience for families, particularly with the fish feeding activity in the moat. Reddit For just 10 THB, children can have a blast feeding the carp, catfish, and turtles, turning a temple visit into an interactive adventure. Reddit The generally less crowded atmosphere compared to other major attractions also makes it more manageable for families with younger children. Remember to ensure everyone is dressed modestly to respect the temple's religious significance. TikTok

🧘‍♀️ Spiritual Seekers

For those seeking a peaceful and spiritual experience, Wat Bo Phuttharam provides a tranquil sanctuary. The temple is known for its serene ambiance and is often visited by locals for prayer and reflection. InstagramReddit The presence of the revered Luang Por Tuad statue adds a layer of spiritual depth, drawing those interested in Buddhist legends and devotion. Instagram It's a place to meditate, observe local practices, and connect with the spiritual heart of Koh Samui away from the bustling tourist hubs. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find Wat Bo Phuttharam offers a blend of spiritual architecture and unique natural elements. The intricate details of the temple buildings and statues provide ample opportunities for capturing stunning shots. Instagram The moat with its fish offers a dynamic and engaging subject, especially when feeding time arrives. Reddit Visiting during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) will enhance the visual appeal with softer light and fewer harsh shadows, creating a more atmospheric portfolio. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legend of the 'Black Monk'

Wat Bo Phuttharam is famously associated with the legend of Luang Por Tuad, a revered monk from Southern Siam. The temple features a statue of this legendary monk, often depicted in a seated posture. Instagram+1 This figure is highly respected, and the temple's connection to him draws devotees seeking blessings and spiritual solace. Instagram

One of the captivating stories associated with Luang Por Tuad is his ability to perform miracles, such as turning saltwater into fresh drinking water by dipping his foot into the sea. Instagram This tale highlights his divine powers and further solidifies his revered status among Buddhists. Visiting Wat Bo Phuttharam offers a chance to connect with this rich local folklore and the spiritual significance of the 'Black Monk'. Instagram

A Tranquil Escape: The Moat and Its Inhabitants

A distinctive feature of Wat Bo Phuttharam is the moat that encircles parts of the temple grounds. This tranquil water feature is home to a variety of fish, including carp and catfish, as well as turtles. Reddit Visitors can purchase small buckets of fish food for a nominal fee, typically around 10 THB, to feed these aquatic residents. Reddit

This interactive experience is a highlight for many, offering a fun and engaging activity that can easily occupy an hour. Reddit It provides a peaceful contrast to the spiritual solemnity of the temple itself, allowing for a moment of lighthearted enjoyment amidst the cultural exploration. The sight of the fish and turtles eagerly awaiting their food adds a lively element to the serene temple environment. Reddit

Beyond the Tourist Trail: A Local's Perspective

Unlike some of the more heavily touristed temples in Thailand, Wat Bo Phuttharam is often described as a place frequented more by locals. Instagram This offers visitors a more authentic glimpse into the daily religious life of the community. Reddit While it might not have the immediate 'wow' factor of some larger temples, its charm lies in its understated beauty and the genuine atmosphere. Reddit

Travelers who appreciate a quieter, more contemplative experience often find Wat Bo Phuttharam to be a refreshing stop. Reddit It's a place where you can wander at your own pace, observe local customs, and appreciate the intricate details without feeling rushed by crowds. Reddit The temple's less commercialized nature makes it a valuable addition to an itinerary for those seeking a deeper connection with Thai culture. Instagram

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